Indian Rectangular Hinged Box with Chased Foliate Decoration

So densely engraved it practically hums, a flat case shines with leaves.

This rectangular hinged silver box with chased foliate decoration is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 19th century. Chasing is a technique in which the surface of the metal is shaped with punches and hammers from the front, producing raised leaf and vine patterns without removing material. Rectangular and hinged with a dull metallic finish, the box has a lid covered with fine chased leaves and scrolls inside a border. A lighter patina shows at the corners, and a small mark sits at the lower front edge. It is 3.5 inches long, 2.5 deep and 0.75 high.

Foliage in metal, and it has not wilted.